Information on Vintage Gibson Les Paul Guitars

Gibson Les Paul Guitars - A brief history and popular models

The Gibson Les Paul name was used on a variety of guitars including the Les Paul Standard, Custom, Special, Deluxe, and Junior. The first solid body Les Paul model appeared in 1952 as a Les Paul Standard goldtop, not very playable but very collectable. It featured a glued on neck, ornate fingerboard inlays and a unique gold top with mahogany sides and back. The Les Paul Custom was available starting in 1954 and featured a 3rd pickup. The Les Paul Special was introduced in 1955 The Les Paul Standard arrived in 1958 and replaced the Gold top. The new standard had a three tone sunburst finish but was essentially identical to the goldtop. The Deluxe was a late comer arriving in 1970 and was discontinued in 1984. The Les Paul solid bodies are one of the most successful electric guitars of all time and remain in production today.